9 Essential Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day Prime Day is one of the year’s biggest online shopping events. It’s also one of the busiest times for scammers. Between phishing emails that look like Amazon notifications and fake “exclusive” deals on social media, the pressure to click before a deal disappears can override your usual caution. ...
AI Chatbots Are Sending Shoppers to Scam Sites – Here’s How to Stay Safe Introduction If you’ve asked an AI chatbot for product recommendations lately, you’re not alone. More people now use tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot to decide what to buy. But recent warnings from consumer groups suggest those recommendations may sometimes lead to fraudulent websites instead of legitimate stores. ...
How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: A Practical Guide Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but so have the risks. Scammers constantly refine their tactics, and during peak shopping periods—holidays, sales events, or tax refund seasons—the number of fraudulent offers spikes. A recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA News) reminds shoppers to stay vigilant. This guide breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. ...
How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Online shopping is convenient, but it also gives scammers a steady stream of opportunities. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other government agencies regularly issue warnings about new fraud tactics. The message is consistent: consumers need to stay alert. Here is a practical look at what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your money and personal information safe. ...
1 in 3 Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself If you shop online, you are not alone in worrying about fraud. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, found that about one-third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That is roughly 33 percent of the adult population—a figure that gives any regular online shopper reason to pause. ...
Fake Prom Dress Websites Are Flooding Search Results: How to Avoid Being Scammed Prom season is here, and for many families that means hunting for the perfect dress online. Unfortunately, scammers are running their own campaigns right alongside legitimate retailers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued an alert warning shoppers in the Hudson Valley—and across the country—about a surge in fake prom dress websites. These sites look convincing, but they are set up to steal money and personal information. ...
1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Online Shopping: Here’s How to Protect Yourself A new report from the Pew Research Center, released in November 2025, confirms what many have suspected: online shopping scams are disturbingly common. Roughly one in three American adults say they have fallen victim to at least one online shopping scam. With holiday shopping already underway, this data is a timely reminder to slow down and check before you click. ...